Methane-Cutting Mission: Orphaned Wells Plugged in Millcreek Township
We need to plug local methane holes folks. In Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania, an abandoned gas well just feet from homes and storm drains was capped. Thank goodness it is no longer leaking methane.
This is all thanks to a partnership between local officials and the nonprofit Well Done Foundation. This is truly marking a win for both public health and also climate protection.
A Dangerous Leak, Now Sealed
The well, located near West 25th Street, was spewing methane gas. Now, methane is a potent greenhouse gas. It has over 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. For years, it sat untouched—unplugged, uncapped, and quietly contributing to local and global emissions.
“This one well was emitting as much as more than 1,000 cars emit,” said Curtis Shuck. He is the Chairman of the Well Done Foundation. “We had to act.”
That action came in the form of a full remediation project. Crews from Penn Mechanical Group conducted the physical work. The Well Done Foundation led the mission, coordinating with local and state partners to fund and execute the plug.
Plug Local Methane Holes: A Collaborative Fix
This project wasn’t done alone. Key supporters included: The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection The Department of Community and Economic Development The Reimer Family Climate Crisis Fund Student climate activists from Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh
Their joint efforts helped cover the costs, raise awareness, and build momentum for future cleanups.
What’s Next? More Wells Targeted
The West 25th Street site is now officially the 58th well plugged by the Well Done Foundation across the U.S. in Millcreek Township.
Officials aren’t stopping there. A second orphaned well has already been identified off West 8th Street. Work on that site is expected to start soon.
“These aren’t just environmental hazards—they’re safety risks,” said township officials. “Plugging them protects our community and the environment.”
Why It Matters to plug local methane holes
Pennsylvania has more than 200,000 orphaned or abandoned oil and gas wells. That’s with many of which leaking methane into the air. As well as toxic compounds leeched into the nearby soil and water.
Left unaddressed, these wells pose a serious risk to both the climate and human health. Plugging a single well seems small, but the impact is measurable. According to the U.S. EPA, abandoned well emissions represent a significant source of uncontrolled methane. When sealed correctly, they can instantly cut that pollution to zero.
Moreover, methane reductions support broader state and federal climate goals, especially as Pennsylvania aims to meet stricter emission standards.
A Local Win with Global Implications – Plug local Methane Holes Globally
The Millcreek project reflects a growing nationwide trend: local communities taking direct action on climate threats. While the federal government has pledged funding for abandoned well cleanup through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. So private groups like the Well Done Foundation are filling gaps and speeding up progress.
“This is climate action you can see and measure,” said Shuck. “It’s not a future goal—it’s happening now.”
How to Learn More
To support or learn more about this work, visit the Well Done Foundation at
To view video coverage of the Millcreek project, check out:
Outside Source Link:
🔗 Millcreek Township Civic News on the Well Plugging Project
